"We will replicate such courses with NCERT because we think our true identity begins with the identity of our nation. Without knowing it, we will not be able to decipher the truth about the world. We are open to discussions about the value of our past," he said.

The minister said all philosophy and Indology students should attend this lecture series and added that people did not know about India and they should know the true identity of their country.

The lecture series was being organised by IGNOU in association with Bhartiya Shikshan Mandal (BSM).

"We will soon launch a new formal academic programme called certificate course in Bharat Bodh. This will talk about the cultural wealth of India and will also take a critical look at it," IGNOU Vice Chancellor Ravindra Kumar said.

Kumar said everything would not be taken for granted but critically examined and whatever was valuable would be retained.